Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), held a press conference at the party's headquarters regarding today’s Central Executive Committee (MYK) meeting on the process and roadmap following Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society”.

Ayşegül Doğan said that one of the main topics discussed at the MYK meeting was the commission planned to be established in the Parliament. She stated that a specially authorized commission should be established in the Parliament and called on Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş to take the initiative in this regard.

'The Kurdish question is not just the Kurds' issue'

"This is a very simple initiative. But it will require historical responsibility to resolve a very serious, very complicated, and very costly issue. That is why it requires a serious approach; this issue cannot be resolved with a simple approach. Mr. Kurtulmuş could gather the representatives of political parties before Parliament goes into recess to establish the committee and hold a ‘summit,’ as the political world likes to call it. Objections, criticisms, and suggestions might come out of that,” she added.

Ayşegül Doğan pointed out that; “The Kurdish question is not just the Kurds' issue. What we have experienced is proof of this. Therefore, when a democratic solution and peace are seen as a political, social, and humanitarian necessity, and when approached in this way, Parliament can take the initiative very quickly. As the DEM Party, we have preparations regarding the procedures, principles, and how the commission will operate. We have a draft and proposals in this regard."

'Meetings will continue'

Expressing the opposition parties' demands for “direct contact, communication, and information on the issue, as well as transparency,” Doğan noted that they also met with the AKP and MHP and that these meetings will continue.

Ayşegül Doğan further stated the following:

“We are not only meeting with political parties that are represented in Parliament. Meetings with different political parties that are not represented in Parliament are also ongoing and will continue in the new period.

Preparations to meet with Öcalan in İmralı

As the DEM Party, we are also preparing to visit İmralı Island as a delegation consisting of members of our Central Executive Committee, including our co-chairs. We plan to visit İmralı as soon as possible. We are preparing to meet with him (Abdullah Öcalan) directly and hold consultations in order to understand and explain this period and to organize ourselves more strongly. As a delegation from the DEM Party, we will visit him as soon as possible. It is also highly likely that Mr. Öcalan will meet with representatives of other political parties in the coming days.

Considering the scope and gravity of the issue, we believe that it would also be beneficial for him to meet with Mr. Massoud Barzani, Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, Mr. Mazlum Abdi, Mr. Qubad Talabani, and Mr. Bafel Talabani. We are aware that he wishes to have these meetings. This is Mr. Öcalan's request. We also believe it would be beneficial. Bringing together leaders from different political parties and prominent figures is of great value, and necessary for the upcoming process.

Mr. Öcalan has presented a perspective document to his organization, a political program, so to speak. However, this document also shows that he is opening up a discussion that is not limited to his organization, the PKK. As the DEM Party, we must say that there is a great deal of effort, labor, determination, and resistance to build a new life.

This text is quite extensive, inviting the public to discuss and debate. It is a text that opens up space for dialogue and consultation and establishes a platform for discussion and debate. For this reason, we value criticism, responses, contributions, and support. This is precisely the space that Mr. Öcalan has called for: discussion, conversation, criticism, consultation, valuing speech, making it effective, and expanding its scope, reach, and resonance. This powerful text is currently being discussed by a broad public.

Direct contact with Öcalan

Ultimately, the text is being discussed and invites us to a new area within the framework of debate. What is in this text? There are touches on established patterns, traditional attitudes, and behaviors ranging from real socialism to sectarianism and perspectives on common life. That is why a very broad public opinion has formed. We believe that all segments that wish to establish direct contact with Öcalan should do so in order for this discussion to proceed in a healthier and more transparent manner.

This is not the first time we have said this. This text has once again demonstrated this need. In other words, if this area expands and free working conditions can be established, managing, implementing, and advancing the process will be much faster and healthier.

You are making history, starting a new era, and taking a very important initiative in this regard. With this initiative, you are also taking certain risks. And only those who take risks can minimize them. That is why this field must be opened up. For the process to move forward and gain momentum, direct contact must be established with everyone involved. This is something we have already been hoping and expecting to happen."